Brake Caliper Failure: Understanding the Causes and Preventive Measures

 Brake calipers are essential components in a vehicle's braking system and play a critical role in ensuring safety on the roads.

Unfortunately, brake calipers can fail if they get hit by rocks or other things on the road, if they get dried out or cracked from the weather, or if they get old and worn out.

In this article, we aim to unravel the mystery behind brake caliper failure by examining its causes and the symptoms to watch out for.

Especially in the case of road bike brake calipers, where the demands of high-speed riding can put extra stress on the braking system.

Causes of Brake Caliper Failure

There are several causes of brake caliper failure, including:

Worn Out Brake Pads

This means the brake pads that press against the rotors are getting too thin and need to be replaced.

Overheating

This happens when the brakes get too hot, usually because the vehicle is being driven too hard or for too long. The heat can cause the brake calipers to break down and stop working well.

Corrosion and Rust

This is when the brake calipers start to get rusty and damaged because they were exposed to water, salt, or other substances that can cause the metal to rust.

Misalignment

The brake calipers are not lined up correctly with the rotors and the brake pads. This can cause the brakes to work poorly or not at all.

Excessive Wear on the Caliper Slides

The parts of the brake calipers that move against each other start to wear down and stop working smoothly, and this is a cause of brake caliper failure.

Manufacture Defects

This was when the brake calipers were made with a problem, such as a weak part, poor design, or any crack on a caliper can lead to an instant brake fluid leak that results in brake malfunction, and rusting or aging can cause brakes to lock up and not release.

Symptoms of Brake Caliper Failure

You can find these symptoms of brake caliper failure

●       Brake Pedal Vibration: This means that when you press the brake pedal, it feels like it is shaking or vibrating.

●       Uneven Braking: One tire is slowing down more than the other, making the vehicle pull to one side when you apply the brakes, and that is the uneven braking.

●       Reduced Braking Power: It takes longer to stop the vehicle, or the brakes don't work as well as they should.

●       Brake Drag: This means that one of the brakes is always applying pressure to the rotor, even when you are not pressing the brake pedal. This can cause the brake to get hot and wear down faster.

Prevention and Maintenance of Brake Calipers Failure

There are several steps you can take to prevent brake caliper failure, and it's helpful to understand each one so that you can take the appropriate measures.

Inspect Regularly

Regularly checking your brake calipers and other brake components is key in preventing brake caliper failure. This ensures that any potential problems are detected early on and can be fixed before they cause more serious issues.

Change Brake Fluid Regularly

Over time, brake fluid can become contaminated with dirt, air, or other substances, reducing its effectiveness and putting additional stress on the calipers. So you should change the brake fluid regularly.

Regularly changing your brake fluid can help keep the braking system functioning at peak performance and prevent problems from developing.

Conclusion

Proper maintenance is key in preventing brake caliper failure.

Regular inspections, proper brake pad selection, regular brake fluid changes, clean brakes, and good driving habits are all important steps in ensuring road bike brake calipers remain in good condition.

Stay proactive and keep your brakes reliable and effective.